Govt plans export benefits for common man in job push

TNN|

Dec 11, 2006, 04.23 AM IST

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NEW DELHI: Move over manpower exports, technology exports and capital exports. The new kid on the block is ‘aam aadmi’ (common man) exports –– an offshoot of the UPA government’s bid for ‘all inclusive growth’ plank that aims to tap the ongoing economic boom bring more benefits to weaker sections.

The export focus for the common man includes ‘deemed’ Export Promotion Council (EPC) status for the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and promotion for a large number of rural produce like guar gum, lac and cheronjee.

The new initiatives would create employment for lakhs of women and rural poor, said Jairam Ramesh, minister of state for commerce. KVIC has been granted ‘deemed’ EPC status since it operates through 30 Khadi & Village Boards and over 5,000 institutions in different states.

Production of khadi (hand-woven textiles) during 2004-05 was Rs 462 crore, while output of village industries stood at Rs 10,460 crore. The new status will help KVIC to get government assistance on the pattern available to EPCs like the Federation of Indian Export Organisation (FIEO).

As a result, KVIC will get support to participate in international fairs and organise buyer-seller meets through various schemes like market development assistance (MDA) and market assistance initiative (MAI).

During 2004-05, about 76 lakh persons were employed in khadi & village industries. KVIC products include khadi, herbal products, handmade paper, agarbatti, handicrafts and processed foods which are registered with different EPCs.

During 2004-05, KVIC exported goods worth Rs 39 crore. Exports are projected to grow to around Rs 300 crore in the next five years and Mr Ramesh has urged the department of commerce to initiate steps to boost exports from this segment. The minister has also identified six EPCs which have the potential to create employment for women and the weaker sections of the society.